Severe ARDS Complicated by Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Recurrent Nosocomial Infections: Therapeutic Challenges and Clinical Outcomes

<b>Background:</b> Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to tuberculosis (TB) is rare and associated with high mortality. Management is further complicated by comorbidities and ICU-related complications. <b>Methods:</b> We report a 43-year-old woman with post-p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Wei-Hung Chang, Yi-Ting Wang, Ting-Yu Hu, Li-Kuo Kuo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/7/1068
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Summary:<b>Background:</b> Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to tuberculosis (TB) is rare and associated with high mortality. Management is further complicated by comorbidities and ICU-related complications. <b>Methods:</b> We report a 43-year-old woman with post-polio sequelae and uncontrolled diabetes who developed ARDS due to pulmonary TB, complicated by recurrent nosocomial infections and gastrointestinal bleeding. Early bronchoscopy and GeneXpert MTB/RIF PCR were performed on ICU Day 2, enabling anti-TB therapy initiation by ICU Day 3. The patient received lung-protective ventilation, prone positioning, tailored antibiotics, and multidisciplinary care. <b>Results:</b> The patient’s clinical course was complicated by two episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding, but with individualized management, she achieved ventilator weaning and functional recovery. <b>Conclusions:</b> Early TB recognition in ARDS is crucial. Multidisciplinary ICU management, including prudent steroid use, improves outcomes.
ISSN:2075-1729